Farm Fantastic 2009

FARM Fantastic is one of the biggest rural living, home and lifestyle expos anywhere in Australia, combining several smaller shows into one giant event, including a farm equipment trade show, food and wine festival, caravan and camping exhibit, music and poetry festival, gardening expo and 4WD motor show. To put it plainly, Farm Fantastic is simply huge.

What is Farm Fantastic?Now in its ninth year, Farm Fantastic is the biggest trade expo of its kind in the southern hemisphere.

In 2008, it attracted over 700 exhibitors and 35,000 visitors, all eager to experience the huge range of activities, entertainment, equipment, rides, food, beverages and good old outback fun that Farm Fantastic offers.

It's a long way from the event's humble beginnings in 2001, when a team of just four dedicated individuals decided to put on a different kind of agriculture show, one that the farmers, and their families could all enjoy.

Since then, Farm Fantastic has enjoyed meteoric success and is now one of the highlights of south-east Queensland's country event calendar.

What's OnFarm Fantastic has literally hundreds of things to do and see across the three days, with something to cater for every member of the family.

While you're there, make sure you don't miss out on these events:

The John Page 4WD Track4WD enthusiasts and prospective buyers will have the chance to test out a range of vehicles on the specially designed 4WD track, organised by the Caboolture 4WD Club.

The track has been specially designed to test the full range of a 4WD's capabilities, and includes a log bridge, rock/gravel pits, hidden objects to manoeuvre over and many other tests.

There will also be motorbike demonstrations, ARGO ATVs and camper vans being tested over the track to see how well they travel over rough terrain.

Reptile and Snake DisplaysOne of the most popular exhibits at Farm Fantastic is the assortment of creatures, critters and animals brought along by Reptile Awareness Displays of Australia.

The exhibit is full of exciting and informative displays of venomous snakes and lizards, including the most venomous snake in Australia.

The display will also feature essential advice and tips for snake bite survival from expert snake handler Allan Burnett.

Burpengary Cowboy PoloTake a look at the new sport and check out Cowboy Polo.

Cowboy Polo is an average persons sport on adrenaline. All that is needed is a horse, the ability to ride, and the love of adventure. 2007 saw the introduction of Cowboy Polo at Farm Fantastic and this year it is back bigger and better than before.

The SheepdogsThe Sunshine Coast’s Sheepdogs are coming to Farm Fantastic 2009 with their foot-tapping grooves and interesting, often obscure, string band music from the 1930s onwards.

Over the course of a gig, their music will include tasty bits of early jazz, bluegrass, honky tonk and western swing, all played in a highly infectious and good-time style.

Watoto ChoirCome to the Zoo stage to hear the Watoto Children's Choir all the way from Uganda.

$2500 in Farm Fantastic funny money, which can be used throughout the expo. The prize jackpots each day if the money is unclaimed.

How to get there

By CarThe Bruce Highway (Highway1) north of Brisbane provides the main road link to Caboolture. If travelling north from Brisbane or the Gold Coast, look for the Pumicestone Road exit and follow the signs directing you to Farm Fantastic.

If you're making your way south, look for the Toorbul/Donnybrook exit - Pumicestone Road and follow the signs directing you to the expo.

Follow the big yellow signs on the Bruce Highway north and southbound that indicate the turn off locations.

(Note: This event is not held at the Caboolture Show Grounds.)By TrainAvoid any traffic and parking problems and catch a train.

Take the train and exit at the Caboolture Train Station, where a free shuttle bus will run from the station to Farm Fantastic every 30 minutes across the three days.

Visit the Queensland Rail website at www.qr.com.au for more information.